Volvo S40

What do you think of the Volvo S40? Its the only Volvo I would consider buying due to the fact the Volvos lineup is way too expensive to consider. I know its based on the Mazda 3 and European Ford Focus. My negatives are the back seat being really small with no leg room and the trunk opening looks really small to with not really a huge opening for bigger items. Technically it looks smaller than my 01 Honda Civic. So if anyone has had any experiences with the S40 I would like to hear your opinions. I'm going to go look at one today and it has 3,000 off the MSRP. Let me know what you think of the model. Thanks.
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They aren't bad, but I like the quirkiness of the C30 more. I'm beginning to have a thing for hatchbacks.
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Overpriced and underpowered is exactly what the S40 is. With the T5 it becomes even more overpriced, and still underpowered.
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I do agree that it is slow and overpriced but its hard to find a safer car then the S-40. Its ergenomics are also first rate.

Its a mixed bag but its got alot of good points
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"One candidate spent years in a POW camp, then years helping to legislate our country. The other...began his political career in a terrorist's living room and basically voted "present" in the Senate. How is this a difficult choice?"- Zanary

I've always liked the quirkiness of Volvo's and the S40 is no exception. I came close to purchasing a V50 Wagon a few years ago. It was just a little too small for me and I didn't want to step up to the V70. I really like the interior layout of Volvos. They are not race cars and don't expect them to be. However, if you want a nice looking, safe, people mover they fit the bill. People respect Volvo's and it would be a great vehicle if you are a younger professional. Safe, reliable, respectable. Not brash or conspicuous.
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They also offer world class seats and great audio/nav systems
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"One candidate spent years in a POW camp, then years helping to legislate our country. The other...began his political career in a terrorist's living room and basically voted "present" in the Senate. How is this a difficult choice?"- Zanary

I like them a lot. Test drove a few Volvo's a year ago and they are NICE. They are one of my favorite brand. Best seats imo, simple, cut and clean interior, with a nice nav system.I will agree that they are overpriced. Get something a year or two old instead. You can grab them for $10k to $20k cheaper then if you get new. Even AWD T5 models. If you buy new, you are going to loss a lot of investment, even with that $3,000 off MSRP.

I will disagree about being under powered. Look around, a ton of compacts push 170hp, then you get a nice turbo model with 230hp with torque from 1,500 to 5,000 that is well above average power.S40 to 60 in 7.7 seconds, and the T5 moves to 60 in 6.3 seconds. Both of those numbers are no where near slow, now are they! 1997 Buick LeSabre 3.8L Auto 120,000miles2003 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4L Auto 90,000miles

You could also look for a used S60R which is one of the best cars of its class. Its Skyhook system is really advanced
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Hail Caesar, We who are about to die, Salute you

"One candidate spent years in a POW camp, then years helping to legislate our country. The other...began his political career in a terrorist's living room and basically voted "present" in the Senate. How is this a difficult choice?"- Zanary

The 2006 is $10,000 off MSRP and the 2005 is almost $15,000 off MSRP. I would by used Volvo, because even with that $3,000 off MSRP the dealer is offering, you are going to loss a LOT of money on your car in just 2 and 3 years.

You can always get an S60R for slightly over $20k which are AWESOME cars. Granted, not the best in its category, but I still love them regardless. It is nice because it has 3 suspension settings from sweet comfort to a bumpy, but sporty ride.
1997 Buick LeSabre 3.8L Auto 120,000miles2003 Mitsubishi Outlander 2.4L Auto 90,000miles

IowaCarGuy:I've always liked the quirkiness of Volvo's and the S40 is no exception. I came close to purchasing a V50 Wagon a few years ago. It was just a little too small for me and I didn't want to step up to the V70. I really like the interior layout of Volvos. They are not race cars and don't expect them to be. However, if you want a nice looking, safe, people mover they fit the bill. People respect Volvo's and it would be a great vehicle if you are a younger professional. Safe, reliable, respectable. Not brash or conspicuous.

The problem is a Honda or Toyota would do the same thing, more, for less.
________________________All that I'm after is a life full of laughterAs long as I'm laughin' with youI'm thinkin' bout all that still matters is a love ever afterAfter the life we've been through, yeahKnow there's no life after you